UK study finds breed stereotyping in dogs is similar to racial stereotyping of people

[BainsBane]

A new study conducted by animal behavior experts challenges the basis of breed specific legislation as a mechanism to protect the public from ‘dangerous’ dogs. A team from the University of Lincoln concluded that rather than making people safer, breed specific laws could be lulling them into a false sense of security.

The study set out to discover the source of people’s perceptions about ‘typical behaviors’ associated with different breeds of dog. The findings were recently published in the journal Human Animal Interaction Bulletin published by the American Psychological Association, Acculturation – Perceptions of breed differences in behavior of the dog (Canis familiaris).

The researchers applied a theory known as the ‘contact hypothesis’ which is used by sociologists to understand the origin of racial stereotyping and other forms of prejudice. This concept proposes that once culturally diverse individuals come into contact with each other and are able to develop an understanding of their differing cultures, prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination should be reduced resulting in more positive interactions in the future

The researchers found significant variations in attitudes between people who owned dogs or had regular contact with them, and those who did not. More than half (54%) of respondents who identified themselves as “experienced or knowledgeable” of dogs disagreed with the statement that some breeds are more aggressive than others. Only 15% of respondents who said they had little or no experience of dogs held the same view. . . .

The researchers discovered that a dog’s physical characteristics and appearance informed strong attitudes, resulting in over-generalization. This did not only apply to pit bull-type dogs, but also to dogs with characteristics such as being well-muscled, or even short-haired, were stigmatized more often as “dangerous” by those with less experience or knowledge of dogs.

http://blessthebullys.wordpress.com/2014/01/06/uk-study-finds-breed-stereotyping-in-dogs-is-similar-to-racial-stereotyping-of-people/

[Drale]

1. When I've made this comparison in the past I've been severely attacked

Hopefully we can start the process of overturn people's preconceived notions about dogs, when they realize they are no better than racists and bigots.

[BainsBane]

2. I think it's saying the impulse is the same

The tendency to assume behavior based on physical characteristics, but they aren't saying that people who are prejudiced about certain breeds of dogs are necessarily racist as well.